New Year's Eve Day
Alan was sitting in their living room facing the Christmas tree and reading the Boston Globe on his new Kindle Fire, a gift from Denny. Though he had a computer, cell phone and a WII, Denny wasn't big on a lot of technology, but he spoiled Alan. There wasn't a gadget that Alan wanted that Denny didn't buy him for Christmas. For his part, Alan had gifted Denny with new fishing gear, silk pajamas, cashmere sweaters and a book on the history of the Republican Party.
It was two in the afternoon and Denny was upstairs napping in preparation for staying up past midnight. Alan planned to join him, but he wanted to gaze at the tree awhile longer while all their gifts were still on display underneath. Christmas was Denny's favorite holiday and he took pride in selecting the perfect tree and their home's decorations. But the first weekend of the New Year marked the end of the holiday season in the Crane household and the tree was taken down and all the gifts put in their everyday places.
Alan's favorite holiday had always been New Year's. It held no religious significance and that pleased the agnostic in him and no matter how bad the previous year had been, the New Year was a fresh start for most and that appealed to the lawyer in him that believed that most people could use one. That was why he was determined that after this night, both the Gladstones and the Lanfords were going to be relegated permanently to the back burners of Denny's and his life.
He put his Kindle back under the tree, stepped back and admired it one more time. This tree really makes me smile, he thought as he turned and headed for the stairs. When he walked into their bedroom, Denny was in bed flat on his back and snoring loudly. He took off his robe, slid in next to Denny and gently placed his head on the older man's chest. Instinctively, Denny's arm came around him. As he closed his eyes to rest he thought, this makes my heart smile.
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New Year's Eve Evening
Denny had awakened from his nap at five o'clock. He thought. I went to bed at one 'clock in the afternoon so there's no reason I should be tired before midnight. He had looked over at Alan who was still sleeping. He resisted the urge to tousle the younger man's hair. I'll wake him at six if he hasn't gotten up by then. He looked over at the chair valets that Rodeo, his Major Domo, had used to hang their tuxedoes and all the accoutrements that went along with them.
He was looking forward to the evening's activities. Even though he was one hundred eighty degrees away from the Kennedys' politics, he thought they were very personable and a lot of fun to be around. Tonight is going to be really good. And the Lanfords, he grinned wickedly at the thought, Jessica and Hilton know their invitation is just a "pity screw" from the Kennedys because I said they could come and in the New Year, everyone will know that the only reason they are anywhere socially is because Alan and I didn't object.
He looked again at the man sleeping in his bed. Who knew six years ago that it would come to this? That I, Denny Crane, would marry a man? That I would become so offended that someone lied about him that I would spend my time making her miserable and showing her who has the better social position? Who knew that the best thing to happen to me in years would be Alan Shore? He smiled to himself as he decided what they would do before they left the house.
Seven – thirty found them back in the living room dressed in Dolce & Gabbana tuxedoes, each with a glass of scotch and a lit Cuban cigar. The tree provided the only lights in the room. "Denny, this was an excellent idea. This calm is the perfect moment before the storm."
"Storm?"
"The party; tonight will be the first time since Halloween that we'll be in the same room with Jessica and Hilton. People are going to be looking for fireworks between us." He blew a series of smoke rings into the air and then tapped the ash into the crystal ashtray by his side. "I, for once, don't wish to make a scene, but I will not back down if Jessica challenges me, so I'm asking you, Denny, if Jessica approaches me, do not say anything. I don't care if the Kennedys think I am a crass boor, but you can't be painted with the same brush I am. Promise me you won't get involved."
Denny finished his drink and stood. "We need to leave and I promise nothing. I've been involved since we said 'I do.' I will tell you that I will let you handle it up to a certain point."
Alan handed Denny his coat and they began to walk to the front door where the chauffeur waited just outside in the limo. "And, what point would that be?" he asked with amusement.
"Let's hope no one finds out," grunted the older man as he hefted himself into the car.
Nine PM
The party was an incredible success. The stage of the Opera House was set up with rows of tables surrounding an open space that would be the dance floor. Upstage was the main table where the hosts sat presiding over the event. Dinner was served promptly at eight and each course was more scrumptious than the one before. The Cranes were pleased to see that the assigned seating had them sharing the table to the immediate right of the Kennedys with Carl and Shirley, Judge Peyton and her husband James, Mayor Johnston and his wife Mary and finally, two Kennedy cousins. The Gladstones were seated all the way downstage as far away from them as possible. Denny had leaned over and whispered to Alan, "I'm sure that was done because the Lanfords will certainly want to sit with them when they arrive."
Shirley asked, "What time are they going to be allowed to enter?"
Denny's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know what I said?"
Shirley waved her arm around. "This is a theater; the acoustics are very good in the entire building and especially here onstage. So be mindful of what you say. What time are the Lanfords expected?"
"Eleven – thirty."
Carl laughed and weighed in, "And the party ends at twelve – thirty. How generous of you to get the Ks to invite them!"
Denny snorted, "Hey, if they wanted to be here for the whole thing, Jessica should have never lied. I didn't want to be totally vindictive because…Denny Crane. However, people need to remember there are consequences for crossing me and mine."
Alan placed the last of his crème brulee' into his mouth. "Indeed," he agreed, "I'm looking forward to midnight; I want to move into the New Year with my true friends. If I ever suggest inviting new people into our social circle again, one of you remind me of this holiday season."
Eleven – thirty
The band had started playing dance music at ten and though they didn't dance to every tune, the foursome danced often enough so that, between the music and the free – flowing champagne, they were all slightly breathless and having a fabulous time. By the time the band began to play "In the Mood," Denny and Carl had begged off on going back on the floor, so Alan held his hand out to Shirley who took it and followed him.
As they swayed and glided around with the other couples, Alan purred, "Shirley, is this as pleasurable for you as it is for me?" as he leaned his head against hers.
She was about to answer when she realized who was dancing their way. "Oh no," she groaned.
"Is it that bad to dance with me?" Alan asked as he raised his head to look at her. He realized she was looking over his shoulder so he turned them around to see the Gladstones and the Lanfords were right next to them. Joanne noticed Alan first and tried to steer them away, but it was too late.
Hilton spoke first. "Alan, I know that Denny put his stamp of approval on our invitation to ring in the New Year here and I want you to know that I appreciate it. I'm not completely sure what started all this, but I hope we can leave whatever it was in the past." He extended his hand and Alan shook it.
"I can assure you, Hilton, that I hold no animosity toward you and I intend to leave all this drama in the Old Year."
"Well," Jessica huffed, "you didn't say you hold no animosity against me."
Alan's "dead fish" stare spoke volumes. "I have never held anything against you, Jessica. Apparently, you thought that was a problem, but no matter; here's hoping next year will be…more to your liking."
Joanne broke the awkward silence that followed. "Yes, yes, let's hope the New Year is to all our liking. Right, Jess?"
Jessica was still fuming. "I didn't deserve to be ostracized by you and Denny!" she snapped.
Joanne stepped closer to her best friend and rubbed her arm. "Alan doesn't know you like I do." She looked at Alan as she spoke. "Jessica is a warm, loving, and loyal person who's like a sister to me." She didn't see the lightning – fast look that Frank and Jessica gave each other, but Alan did. It took a nanosecond for him to decide what to do.
"Well," he said sweetly, "your 'sister' slept with your husband, so how loyal and warm do you think she is? She certainly is loving though; isn't she, Frank?"
Shocked, Joanne whirled around to look at Frank who would not meet her gaze. "Ohmigod, omigod; it's true? How could you?" she hissed. She turned and fled, followed by her husband.
Jessica looked stunned. "How could you know…?"
Shirley leaned in and said, "A good lawyer can read people and Alan is a great lawyer. Here's a tip: Don't ever go near my husband." She glanced at Hilton. "Good luck; I think you'll need it. Let's go back to our table, Alan."
Alan smiled and said, "Happy New Year!" before placing Shirley's arm through his and leading her away.
As they walked to their seats Shirley asked, "Please tell me you didn't smell him on her?"
Alan chuckled. "No," he answered, "that only seemed to work on Denise. Again, Shirley, I'm asking that you not tell Carl about that little dustup until tomorrow. Deal?"
"Deal."
Eleven – fifty
Alan held Shirley's chair out for her before taking his seat. "Carl, thank you for allowing me to dance with your wife. Feel free to dance with Denny anytime."
Denny grunted, "Only if I lead. Was that the Lanfords and the Gladstones dancing next to you guys?"
Shirley answered, "Yes, but I think Joanne and Frank just left." She raised her hand and signaled for the servers to replenish their glasses. She looked at Carl and smiled. "I am so happy to be married to you. I think marrying you is the best decision I've made in a long time."
Carl leaned in and kissed her lightly on her lips. "You're right," he laughed, "what made you admit it now?"
"The passing of the year makes me reflect on what has transpired during the last twelve months. I'm glad I was able to spend this year with you."
Alan raised his glass. "I'll drink to that! Denny, I'm glad I was able to spend this year with you and I'm looking forward to the next twelve months." He touched his glass to his three companions' and then took a sip.
"Here, here!" Denny, Carl and Shirley chorused in unison. As they each drank, Shirley looked at Alan and winked.
Eleven fifty – nine
The conductor of the band began the countdown by shouting "Forty seconds!" Alan and Denny stood side by side as did Shirley and Carl and the other couples at their table and everyone else.
"Thirty seconds!"
Denny turned to Alan and said, "This year is going to be great."
"I know, Denny," Alan replied as he patted the older man's arm. "I know."
"Twenty seconds!"
Carl wrapped his arms around Shirley and squeezed tight. "Oh God, I love you so much," he whispered in her ear.
"I know you do; I love you, too."
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, Happy New Year!"
The entire gathering in the Opera House screamed "Happy New Year" and burst into wild applause and cheering; people were hugging, kissing, backslapping and when the band began to play "Auld Lang Syne," there were even a few tears shed. Confetti rained down from the ceiling and covered the celebrants in multi – colored bits of paper. Denny and Alan were laughing as they hugged each other and then Carl, Shirley, Judge Peyton and her husband and the Mayor and his wife.
Alan shouted over the raucous crowd, "I'm ready to leave whenever you are!" Their chauffeur had dropped them off and had headed off to his own plans, as had the rest of their personal staff. They were going to stay in town at their condo and planned to take a cab.
Denny smiled fondly at his husband and yelled back, "I'm ready!" He turned and started using gestures to let Carl and Shirley know they were leaving. They waved goodbye and went back to canoodling. Oh, I think I know how they'll be celebrating when they get home.
Alan got their coats and they walked outside where their hosts had arranged for cabs to arrive just after midnight to take their guests home. Alan helped Denny into a car as the driver held the door for both of them. Once they were in, Alan gave the driver the condo's address.
The doorman opened the door of the cab and Denny tipped the driver generously. "Happy New Year!" the cabbie exclaimed when he saw the size of his tip.
They entered their apartment and Denny headed straight for the armoire they used to store their special hundred year old scotch. "I suggest," he said, "that we get into our jammies and sip our nightcap in bed."
"Sounds like a plan to me, Denny. Do you want to watch a movie or TV?"
"No, I've had enough noise for tonight. Right now, I want to relax in bed with you and a drink before I turn in for the night."
One AM, New Year's Day
The two men were sitting up in bed drinking scotch and talking about their evening; or rather, Denny was pontificating about his take on everyone there; what people were wearing, who had the most interesting conversations and what gossip he heard while Alan listened as he gave Denny his undivided attention. Finally, Denny asked him, "Do you know why the Gladstones left before the New Year? And, come to think of it, I didn't see the Lanfords after I saw them on the dance floor. Do you think they left early, too?"
Alan swallowed the last of his drink, placed the glass on his nightstand, stretched languorously and responded, "I think it is January First and I no longer care about the Lanfords or the Gladstones or what they did last year or what they will do this year. My sole New Year's resolution is to no longer concern myself with them. I think you should follow my lead and do the same."
Denny was watching Alan as he spoke and replied, "I see. So you want to never speak about them again, eh?" At the younger man's nod, he said, "Fine, on one condition. No, make that two conditions. One, if something that occurred at the party comes back to haunt us, you'll tell me what you know and two, you follow my lead in everything else. Deal?"
"Don't I always follow your lead? Deal." He held out his hand and Denny shook it. "Happy New Year, Denny. Goodnight."
Denny patted the side of Alan's face tenderly and then turned off his lamp. As they settled in to sleep, he said softly, "Happy New Year."
